Blue Jackets take Kent Johnson 5th overall

The Columbus Blue Jackets drafted forward Kent Johnson fifth overall at the 2021 NHL Draft.

Kent Johnson

Position: Center
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 165 lbs
Age: 18
Club: Michigan (NCAA)
Nationality: Canadian

(Stats source: EliteProspects.com)

Johnson entered the draft as Central Scouting's third-ranked North American skater. What he lacks in size he makes up for in dynamic playmaking abilities. He's viewed as one of the most skilled players in this year's draft.

The British Columbia native finished second in scoring on a deep Michigan squad as a freshman last season. He put up monstrous numbers before beginning his collegiate career in Ann Arbor, notching 101 points in 52 games with the BCHL's Trail Smoke Eaters in 2019-20.

What they're saying

"His ability to handle the puck, play with finesse, execute NHL skill plays consistently through layers, carve up set structures in the offensive zone, and beat defenders one-on-one in transition all grade out at the top of this draft's forward groups. And his airy skating helps him recover from mistakes and support play reasonably well defensively, even if that's never going to be a hallmark of his game. With the proper development track, Johnson will excel with good players at the top of an NHL lineup," says The Athletic's Scott Wheeler.

Highlights